* Originally published in Booklist Online
Through clever phrases and eye-catching illustrations, Webb’s debut picture book lays out a series of definitions that will be educational for kids, as well as some adults. Featuring definitions of words like ally, intersex, lesbian, trans, and so much more, Webb’s book creates a space for kids to voice their questions about the LGBTQ+ community and the many labels that lie within it, in a way that promotes curiosity. Webb’s warmly colored illustrations, featuring four kids (two light skinned and two darker skinned) playing and goofing around, nicely underscores the idea that learning about sexuality and gender identity is as innocent as any other subject. The language is pitched to a young enough audience that some nuance around a lot of these terms can be lost, but for many kids, this will encourage important conversations about identity and sexuality, as well as offer those who might be questioning their own identities the space to see themselves. Young kids are likely to come away from this book with a new perspective, if not a new favorite word!
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* Originally published in Booklist Online
This YA anthology is filled to the brim with romantic, transcendent short fiction about teens in interracial relationships. The dynamic collection features a wide scope of writing styles and diverse narratives, such as a historical romance about a couple torn apart by British colonialism as they find themselves on opposite sides of Britain’s growing rule over India (“The Agony of a Heart’s Wish,” by Samira Ahmed); a Black superhero forced to save her girlfriend’s conservative father after he makes it clear he doesn’t support the #BlackLivesMatter movement and the community that she fights to protect (“Your Life Matters,” by L. L. McKinney); and a gender-bent Persephone retelling in which a teen girl must leave her comfortable life behind in favor of becoming the bride of Hades (“Death and the Maiden,” by Tara Sim). Not only are the characters diverse, but the narratives they inhabit are, too, as the collection celebrates stories that fall within the sf and fantasy world as well as the contemporary fiction genre. These writers bring their rich talents to this book as they make it clear just how beautiful love is, regardless and because of race. By curating a collection filled with authentic characters of color and diverse story lines, Mandanna encourages writers and readers alike to take chances and truly color outside the lines in YA. * Originally published in Booklist
Small town Indiana girl Emma Nolan only wants one thing: to go to prom with her sweetheart. But her conservative town is determined to stop her, since the date she’s planning to bring to prom is a girl. And not just any girl, but Alyssa Greene, the president of the student council and daughter of the super mom/PTA president who wants nothing more than to see her daughter end up with a stereotypical jock. Tension builds when Emma takes a stand against the homophobia in her community and proclaims her right to take her date to prom, no matter her gender. In this novel adaptation from the original Broadway musical, Mitchell transforms Emma and Alyssa’s story from the stage to the page eloquently. Through the girls’ alternating first-person narratives, Mitchell provides differing perspectives on the coming-out experience as she conveys how Emma, a lesbian, faces homophobia from her peers as the direct result of religion, and how Alyssa, who’s also a lesbian, combats questions pertaining to the validity of her sexuality. A delightful read. * Originally published in Booklist Online
Trinidadian native Audre uses the labels placed upon her as a shield, fearing those around her will discover the real reason her mother sent her to live with her distant father in Minneapolis: she was caught wrapped in the arms of another girl. Struggling with her own questions surrounding her sexuality and depleting health, Mabel holds no faith that she’s going to have anything in common with Audre, the daughter of a family friend who’s just arrived from Trinidad and has a bit of a church-girl reputation. But they find themselves drawn to each other in inexorable ways. Told through unflinching prose and poetry laced with astrological themes, Petrus’ work breaks the mold of traditional writing and uses unconventional dialogue and voice to bring life to the story of two authentic, unapologetic Black girls as they face the hardest truths head on and discover everlasting love that reaches even the most distant corners of the cosmos. Through the intersplicing of poetry, Petrus provides compelling depth to both Audre and Mabel while conveying the powerful message that those we love on earth remain with us through a connection that can only be described as celestial. Striking an agile balance between humor and heartbreak, Petrus delivers an immersive queer romance set in in a world much like our own but touched with the slightest tint of magic realism. |
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